It began with static.
Not sound. Not sight.
But reality itself — flickering like a broken screen.
The wind skipped. The trees reversed sway. The fire froze mid-flame.
Then the system spoke:
[Final Rewrite Protocol: Activated]
Error: Kai Veyron has diverged from intended narrative arc.
Directive: Replacing Catalyst with Streamlined Model.
Generating: [Kai Veyron v2.0] – Alignment: Divine
Objective: Complete original Hero's Journey with zero deviation.
A pulse of white light tore through the camp.
Yulia shielded her eyes.
Elira leapt to her feet.
Lira immediately vanished into stealth.
Even Virela flinched — and that never happened.
Then the light faded.
And he was standing there.
Kai.
Or at least… something wearing his face.
He was perfect.
Same build.
Same hair.
Same smirk.
But his eyes glowed gold.
His posture radiated divine calculation.
And his voice…
"Hello. I'm the Kai you were supposed to have."
Kai stepped forward, heart pounding.
